MOSCOW, Idaho — During his hearing on Monday, alleged quadruple killer Bryan Kohberger pleaded not guilty to five counts.
When asked how he pleads to four charges of first-degree murder and one count of burglary in the murders of four University of Idaho students in November 2022, Kohberger opted to remain quiet via his counsel.
Judge John Judge filed not guilty pleas on Kohberger’s behalf and set a six-week trial for Oct. 2, 2023, since he elected to remain quiet.
At his arraignment, Kohberger only spoke to say “yes” when the court inquired whether he knew his rights and the allegations against him. He said “no” when asked if he had any questions for the court.
The court ordered that prosecutors register any intent to seek the death sentence against Kohberger within 60 days.
Kohberger was indicted last week by a Moscow grand jury in the killings of Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin, whose corpses were discovered in an off-campus rented property.
On December 30, he was caught at his parents’ Pennsylvania home and quickly transported to Idaho.
A gag order protects Kohberger’s case by prohibiting any lawyers, law enforcement agencies, or anybody associated with the case from speaking to the media unless they are quoting from a publicly accessible court record.
The parent firm of Court TV has joined a coalition of other media in filing an appeal of the judgment.
The court set another hearing on June 9 to hear arguments on the gag order on Monday. On June 27, a motions hearing was planned.
Following Kohberger’s arrest, Kaylee Goncalves’ family issued the following statement via their attorney, Shanon Gray:
“The family would like to thank everyone for continuing to follow this case and keeping Kaylee, Maddie, Xana, and Ethan’s memories alive.” It is they who are important, not the defendant. We are grateful that the Latah County District Attorney’s Office eventually presented the matter to a grand jury and obtained an indictment. Simultaneously, we are dissatisfied that the legal procedure has not been more expeditious in dealing with the Gag order. This is just the beginning of a long road for all of the families, and we appreciate your ongoing support and coverage.”
